Bolivia entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 12, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadians don't need a visa for Bolivia for stays up to 90 days. Just show up with a valid passport and an onward ticket. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Bolivia. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in La Paz and Santa Cruz enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bolivia | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a bus/ticket out of Bolivia ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed copy of your first night's hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a recent bank statement or credit card available. Immigration may ask how you'll fund your trip — showing $500–$1,000 USD equivalent is usually enough. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Bolivia, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before you go.
No extensions — plan your exit
The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll face fines of 20-30 USD per day. Set a reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At the airport in Bolivia (e.g., El Alto in La Paz or Viru Viru in Santa Cruz), follow signs to 'Extranjería' or 'Migraciones'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and your return/onward ticket (printed or on your phone). The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Bolivia.
Download Bolivia Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 12, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (not required for Canadians)
Canadians do not need a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days; this option is for longer stays if available.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (not required for Canadians)
Not typically issued; Canadians rely on visa-free entry for multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostApproximately $100 USD (estimated)
Requires proof of income, background check, and application at Bolivian consulate. Allows longer stays.
retirement visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal para Jubilados
1 year, renewable annually
Approximately $100 USD (application fee) + proof of pension
For retirees with a stable pension (minimum $1,000 USD/month). Requires background check and medical certificate. Allows long-term stay.
digital nomad visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal para Trabajadores Remotos
1 year, renewable
Approximately $150 USD (application fee) + proof of income
For remote workers with income from outside Bolivia (minimum $2,000 USD/month). Requires proof of employment and health insurance.
investor visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal para Inversionistas
1 year, renewable
Approximately $200 USD (application fee) + minimum investment of $50,000 USD
For investors in Bolivian businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Visa de Estudiante
1 year, renewable based on course duration
Approximately $50 USD (application fee) + enrollment proof
For students enrolled in accredited Bolivian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers single entry; no separate tourist visa fee required. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple entries allowed within 90-day period; no additional fee. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extension costExtensions are not permitted for visa-free stays; must leave and re-enter. | Unknown (not available for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are applied at immigration upon departure; maximum cap unknown. | Approximately $2 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Bolivia
No transit visa needed
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Bolivia, as long as they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsEl Alto International Airport (LPB) · Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) · Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB)
Health & vaccines for Bolivia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
High-altitude cities like La Paz and Potosí can cause acute mountain sickness; acclimatize gradually.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in lowland areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical regions; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural lowland areas (e.g., Beni, Pando); prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
La Paz
Dirección General de Migración
Calle Potosí esq. Ayacucho, La Paz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and application form.
Santa Cruz
Oficina de Migración Santa Cruz
Av. San Martín esq. 3er Anillo, Santa Cruz
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Busy office; arrive early to avoid long waits.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalSucre
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyBolivian boliviano (BOB)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6.92 BOB
Time zone
Local timeUTC-4
vs New York+1h
vs Los Angeles+4h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,CTypes A (two flat pins) and C (two round pins) are used.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Bolivia before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced from your date of entry.
Not required for entry from Canada, but recommended if you plan to visit the Amazon or other jungle areas. Some border crossings may ask for proof, so it's safer to get it.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. Have your passport and onward ticket ready. Border crossings can be slower than airports, so allow extra time.
You'll be fined approximately 20-30 USD per day of overstay. Pay at the immigration office before leaving. Overstaying can also affect future visa applications.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Canadian citizens. Just your passport and onward ticket.
No, Canadians don't need a visa at all for tourism stays up to 90 days. There's no visa on arrival process — you just enter visa-free.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 12, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.